A CHARITY created in memory of a former Rawlins teacher who died suddenly in 2012 has handed out its first grant.

Mike Atack, aged 35, of Burton-on-the-Wolds, died suddenly from an undetected heart tumour in July 2012, less than a month after marrying his wife Bethan.

He had worked at Rawlins for nearly a decade and, as a musician, technician and mentor, touched the lives of hundreds of children, especially in the arts.

Because of this, in the wake of his death, Mike’s family and the college pledged to carry on his legacy by creating The Mike Atack Trust, which was officially launched last year.

It was the intention of the trust to provide students with an out-of-the-ordinary experience within the arts.

And Bethan had the pleasure of meeting its very first grant recipient, Year 7 student Chris Andersen.

All the trustees were unanimous in their decision to award the grant, which will allow Chris to spend a week with The Royal Ballet International Summer School, where he will have the opportunity to experience the highest levels of coaching from world-renowned teachers.

He will also be working with male contemporaries, learning intensive dance training over an extended period of time.

Bethan said: “I’m thrilled that the hard work everyone has put into getting the Mike Atack Trust off the ground is beginning to pay off and that we are able to start using the money that has been raised to make a difference.

“It is really exciting that our first grant will help support such a talented young person achieve one of his dreams.

“The Mike Atack Trust wishes him all the best and cannot wait to hear about this experience after the holidays.”

For more information about the trust, including how it can help young people, please visit www.mikeatacktrust.org